Jazz Band
A Premiere Program
Studio Jazz Ensemble is the premiere jazz band at Westlake High School. Studio went to the Midwest Clinic in 2012, 2017, and 2023 with guest-stars such as Matt Harris, Victor Goines, and John Daversa. Studio also recorded professional jazz albums in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Studio has had many original songs commissioned for it from artists such as Gordon Goodwin, Matt Harris, Mike Kamuf, Victor Goines, Chris P. Bacon, Matt Finders, John Daversa, Craig Skeffington, and George Stone.
Jazz Band Program
There are typically 3 levels of Jazz Band offered with numerous enrichment opportunities available.
WHS Jazz Festival
Each year, Westlake hosts a Jazz Festival which is an adjudicated competition, which helps us celebrate all ensembles though live music in our schools and communities. The obstacles our student performers and directors have overcome these past years are monumental. Please, applaud and support ALL of our amazing student musicians at the festival.
Jazz 3
Jazz 3 is meant for students to get introduced to jazz and to learn a new instrument for jazz. No prior jazz experience is needed, and members of upper jazz bands are welcome to join and learn a new instrument. Jazz 3 is a stepping stone for Studio and Lab Jazz. Jazz 3 starts in the second semester.
Lab Jazz Ensemble
Lab Jazz Ensemble is the second-level jazz band at Westlake High School. Lab teaches new musicians the language of jazz and how to improvise. Rehearsals are after school on Fridays until regiment season ends, and then rehearsals are three times a week. Lab plays annually at the Food Truck Festival, Winter Concert, Spring Concert, and at jazz festivals.
Watch the 2019 Lab Jazz NPHS Concert!
Studio Jazz Ensemble
Studio Jazz Ensemble is the premier jazz band at Westlake High School. Studio went to the Midwest Clinic in 2012 and 2017, with guest-stars such as Matt Harris, Victor Goines, and John Daversa. Studio also recorded professional jazz albums in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Studio has had many original songs commissioned for it from artists such as Gordon Goodwin, Matt Harris, Mike Kamuf, Victor Goines, Chris P. Bacon, Matt Finders, John Daversa, Craig Skeffington, and George Stone.
Watch the 2019 Studio Jazz Ensemble Food Truck Festival Concert!
Studio Jazz History
For videos of past Studio Jazz concerts, check out David Drabeck’s Youtube Channel.
Recorded Studio Albums
2008 – Hit the Ground Running
2010 – Logistics
2012 – Necessary
2014 – Studio: Unfiltered
2016 – Analogies
2018 – True Confessions
Live Albums
2012 – The Midwest Clinic
2017 – The Midwest Clinic
2017 – CASMEC Conference
Songs Commissioned for Studio
Jeff Jarvis – Los Galanas
Gordon Goodwin – Hit the Ground Running
Matt Harris – Dos Mucho!
Matt Finders – Lago De Oeste
Matt Harris – Stick & Stones
Gordon Goodwin – These Flutes Were Made for Walkin’
Matt Harris – Caribe
George Stone – What is This Thing Called Love?
Alan Ferber – jigsaw
Gordon Goodwin – G-Rated
Craig Skeffington – Sometimes You Never Know…
Mike Kamuf – EniGma
Mike Kamuf – Message from Westlake
Tom Kubis – What? Nothing…
Victor Goines – Westlake
John Daversa – Barracuda Fantasy
Vince Oliver – Press Play
Scott Director – Quatre Fantasie
Patrick Burns – Seize the Day
Gordon Goodwin – Absoludicrous
Matt McBane – Incline
Notable Concerts
Carnegie Hall – 2008
CBDA Convention – 2010, 2017
The Midwest Clinic – 2012, 2017
Next Generation Monterey Jazz Festival – 2014, 2015, 2016
Jazz Education Network National Convention – 2015
CASMEC Convention – 2011, 2017
Mission Gig – Annually since 2014In Person Jazz Concert in the Ampitheater – June 2021
Guest Clinicians and Guest Artists
Brian Scanlon, Kevin Garren, Clay Jenkins, Greg Bissonette, Jim Walker, Matt Harris, James Rocillo, Joe Gransden, Alan Ferber, John Daversa, Wayne Bergeron, Mike Kamuf, Craig Skeffington, Victor Goines, Brian Kilgore, Alex Iles, Gary Pratt, Ed Smith, Mitch Holder, The Big Bad VooDoo Daddy, Matt Finders, George Stone, Jeff Jarvis, Jeff Tower, Greg Bissonette, Jim Mooy, Jim Snidero, Simon Rowe